After two years at Clemson, guard Bella Ranallo transferred to Ohio as a redshirt sophomore. In her freshman season, she had only played in seven games.
In her first season with the Bobcats, she is averaging 11.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game, starting all 26 of their games so far. She credits the Ohio coaching staff and teammates for helping her grow her skillset.
“The coaches have been amazing to me,” Ranallo said. “They helped me realize my potential and have really pushed me past that, too. They really just believe in me and put confidence in me, and that’s something I have not always had, so that’s very important to me too … That’s something I don’t take for granted here.”
Having coaches dedicated to helping her reach her highest potential and even past that could be a big reason for her success this season.
Her basketball career had truly turned around after transferring. The transfer process can be intimidating and unwelcoming for some athletes because of the pressure of performing for a new team and staff, and the anxiety that moving to a new place can bring.
Ranallo claims her experience was smooth and welcoming because of how receptive the team and coaching staff were.
“I felt at home right away, from knowing where to go on campus, who I’m with, my friends and the coaching staff,” she said. “Having to start over was pretty hard for a little bit, but then I used that as a chance to fully grow, and the coaching staff and my teammates really helped with that by being a big part of it and helping me be more comfortable.”
Being around a welcoming team can certainly improve performance and mindset, both on the court and off. Having a good relationship with teammates builds chemistry on the court, making each player want to improve their skills to see a payoff for the team. Ranallo said the Bobcats excel with this.
“Our team is filled with a lot of people who really just want to win, so we just try to push each other in practice and games to make us better throughout the season,” Ranallo said. “Our togetherness has gotten us here and through all the wins.”
The ability to be a part of a team that not only wants personal success but success for everyone pushes each athlete to be their best. This is arguably the reason why Ranallo has done so well since transferring to Ohio.
“My relationship with the team is great,“ Ranallo said. "I just get to play with a group of girls who are not just good basketball players, but great people in general. Wanting to play for my teammates and coaching staff is something that’s really important to me.”
She also claims that she has grown not only as an athlete, but also as a person. This is another thing that new team chemistry can improve.
“I definitely have been more confident in myself, as a basketball player and outside of basketball, too,” Ranallo said. “The coaching staff really has been a big part of that, and they helped me grow into a basketball player and a human being.”
Ranallo clearly thinks very highly of her teammates and her coaches. This could be a big reason as to why her first season with the Bobcats has been such a breakout season for her.
